The FGM-148 Javelin ATGM is a fire-and-forget weapon with a reusable command launch unit (CLU). It can be used to attack in line-of-sight or “top attack” mode. It is a more complicated ATGM that requires added operator training to use.
The US-led coalition has shipped “shoulder-launched missiles” to northeastern Syria, the Syrian News Agency (SANA) reported on February 24.
According to the state-run agency, the missiles were deployed at the al-Shaddadi bases in the southern countryside of al-Hasakah.
“Two military helicopters of the American occupation landed in al-Shaddadi and unloaded artillery shells and shoulder-launched missiles,” the SANA quoted local sources as saying.
The agency didn’t reveal the type of the missiles, which may be FIM-92 Stinger man-portable air-defense systems, which was not spotted before in northeastern Syria, or FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank guided missiles. Coalition troops in the region were seen with Javelin missiles before.
The US-led coalition has been redeploying its troops in northeastern Syria for a few months now. Loads of supplies were shipped to the region.
Earlier this year, the coalition built a new airstrip in the al-Omar oil fields in southeastern Deir Ezzor. Furthermore, the coalition is currently establishing a new base in northeastern al-Hasakah, near the border with Iraq and Turkey.
Last week, a number of US AN/TWQ-1 Avenger short-range air-defense systems were spotted moving along the border between Syria and Iraq.
Recently, the US-led coalition denied increasing the numbers of its troops in northeastern Syria. However, the facts on the ground say otherwise.
